– Esteban Ocon will not be driving with the latest Ferrari power unit at the Formula 1 race in Monza. Haas only has a single modified power unit available after the second ADUO evaluation, which Oliver Bearman will receive.
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Ocon has to compete with the older version and thus accept a disadvantage in performance. Aerodynamically, however, Ocon will receive the full upgrade package.
Haas is bringing a extensively revised car to the Italian Grand Prix, which according to team principal Ayao Komatsu will be used by both VF-26 cars. The difference between the two Haas drivers therefore concerns only the power unit.
“I will not get the complete updated package,” Ocon explained on Thursday. “I mean, aerodynamically I will have the new car. But I will not get the ADUO2 because we only have one. That is the reason.”
“So I will be driving with the old engine. That will mean a certain disadvantage. But I will have the updated car. Let’s see what we can achieve.”
Only one engine: FIA sees no rule violation
That Haas provides its two drivers with different engine specifications is possible despite the corresponding regulations. These basically stipulate that an engine manufacturer must supply its customer teams with power units of the same specification.
According to information from Motorsport.com, a partner site of Motorsport-Total.com, the FIA currently sees no problem in this situation. The rule is considered fulfilled if at least one corresponding power unit is provided. This is currently the case with Ferrari and Haas.
Progress expected from new aero package
Even though Ocon initially has to make do with the older power unit, he expects some benefits from the aerodynamic innovations of the VF-26. The Frenchman was already able to test the revised car in the simulator on Tuesday.
His first impression was positive, but now it remains to be seen whether the simulation results will also be confirmed on the racetrack: “It felt better in the simulator. Of course, we now have to transfer that to the track. It is not a given that it will behave the same on the track.”
Photo gallery: All Haas Formula 1 cars since 2016
However, Monza is not necessarily the track where Haas will recognize the full potential of the new package. Due to the comparatively low downforce level, Ocon expects greater insights on another circuit. “So we will not see the full gain. More then in Madrid.”
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Nevertheless, Friday is likely to provide important insights. Ocon is particularly curious about how the revised car feels in the fast corners of Monza. “It is quite a big package, and I am looking forward to driving it.”
Haas falls behind in development race
The background for the extensive innovations is the recently disappointing development at Haas. While the team still had competitive pace at the start of the season, other racing teams were able to improve faster in the development race. Haas has thus increasingly fallen behind in the balance of power.
“Yes, obviously we started the year well in terms of pace. But the other teams have developed a bit faster than us,” Ocon admits. The new package is now supposed to help reduce the gap again.
Haas is particularly targeting its direct competitors. “We have been waiting for this package. Hopefully, it will deliver what we expect from it. Hopefully, it will bring us closer to the top-10 positions. Then hopefully we can fight again with the Racing Bulls and the Alpines. Let’s see.”
Ocon: Personal progress despite point drought
For Ocon himself, the past races were not necessarily bad. The Frenchman is convinced that he has gotten the maximum out of the available material, especially in the last three races. However, the lack of speed of the Haas prevented a corresponding reward with points.
Ocon refers to the sprint and race in Zandvoort as well as the Grand Prix of Budapest. “I feel that the last two weekends were actually good weekends on my side,” he looks back.
Ocon sees little to criticize in his own performance. Rather, he fully exploited the potential of the car. All the more painful was the result: “It was disappointing to know: That was the best we could have achieved, and yet there was not much reward for it.”
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With the new aerodynamic package, Ocon now hopes that a strong individual performance will also be reflected in a corresponding result again.
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